Since it perfectly combines the very best of what Mediterranean cities have to offer, the reasons why Spain’s Barcelona is one of the top travel destinations are numerous. Here is our list of top five reasons why you will fall in love with this wonderful Spanish city.

1: Architectural wonders

Of course, there’s no getting around Barcelona’s magnificent architecture, and that is why it’s at the top of our list. Going to Barcelona once usually means forever comparing all other buildings with the ones created by Antoni Gaudi. Barcelona is full of Gaudi’s exquisite and modern architecture, with tons of colorful and uniquely designed buildings.

Be sure to visit the most famous of them all, the Sagrada Familia which has been under construction since 1892. Words are somewhat limited when it comes to describing this wonder of architecture. Other important buildings of Gaudi include the Casa Vicens, La Pedrera, Palau Guell, Colonia Guell (as well as Parc Guell), Casa Batllo, and Casa Calvet.

2: The weather and the awesome beaches

With almost the same number of sunny days as there are in a year, Barcelona is a place where winters are practically inexistent and where autumns and springs are as pleasant as summers are in other places. Since Barcelona is located in the northwestern coast of Spain, Barcelona also boasts multiple beaches. They’re not as luxurious as you might be used to find in Greece or various other exotic destinations such as the Caribbean, but at least they’re found in large numbers, they’re clean, and they’re easily accessible from the city’s center.

3: Impressive cultural appeal

Barcelona is one of those places where life seems to be at its fullest. Everyone is relaxed, the sun is always shining and there’s no shortage of cultural events or activities to keep you entertained. The city is also home to some of the most interesting museums, not counting the fact that the whole town is basically a big open-space gallery. The Barcelona City History Museum is a very worthwhile place since it allows you to explore the Spanish and the Catalonian cultures. The Picasso Museum is yet another one of the city’s fascinating museums.

4: Food, drink, and the nightlife

It might be surprising for some, but Spain is one of the top-notch travel destination for foodies, and Barcelona is no exception. From basic, on-a-budget cuisine to Michelin Star-rated restaurants, Barcelona has it all. No visit to Barcelona would be complete without a quick taste of Tapas and Pintxos. Other notable mentions include Paella, Bombas, Colcots and Romesco sauce, Esqueixada, Pa Amb Tomaquet, Escalivada, Crema Catalana, and Mato.

Barcelona is also home to an astonishing amount of bars and drinking places. The beer, wine, and cocktail cultures are all very well established. Combine this with Barcelona’s clubbing culture, and you’ve got a perfect recipe for a booming nightlife. Keep in mind that most clubs don’t open until after 12 A.M., so taking some preventive power naps during the day is highly recommended.

5: The people

Barcelona is not all about Gaudi, Picasso, beaches, and good food, but it’s also about the people that live there. The locals are some of the most open-minded and easygoing you will ever find. Everyone seems to be happy, and life seems to only get better when you look at them. Art seems to be engraved in the local culture; hence, you’re bound to find people performing everywhere.

Have fun visiting one of the most fascinating cities in Spain and Europe.